National League Two North: Wharfedale 17 Harrogate 3

WHARFEDALE stretched their winning home run to seven games with an impressive victory against Harrogate.

Gate may have dominated the scrum but excellent defence from Dale stopped them from crossing the whitewash.

A game played in good spirits was edged by Dale by again playing as a unit, with all players contributing to tackling and ball carrying.

Lewis Wilson opened Dale's account after sustained pressure pushed the visitors who were defending their line, but Jamie Guy could not add the conversion.

Harrogate's scrum was getting the better of the Dale eight and scrum penalties were costing Dale territory but it was the hosts who scored before the half-time whistle, with George Hedgley crashing over.

With Guy's conversion hitting the upright, Harrogate were only ten points down and had the slope and what breeze there was in their favour for the second half.

The Green Machine came out with all guns blazing and Josh Burridge started proceedings by bursting out of his 22 from the Harrogate kick-off.

Wharfedale played some excellent rugby involving forwards and backs, and a try looked certain to come as the pressure mounted on Harrogate.

In the end it was a lucky score when a Guy crosskick bounced back from Robbie Davidson into the hands of Harry Bullough, who had an easy run to the line, with Guy adding the extras.

Harrogate did get a consolation three points from the boot of David Doherty.

Star Man: Phil Woodhead.

Referee: Michael Harris.

Attendance: 796.